It's been a big year in automotive - and we've been in the midst of it all

摘要

When we look back at 2013 in the archives of automotive history, we will realise how much of a watershed year it has been for the future of our industry. Unprecedented challenges have created perfect storm conditions that resulted in the industry producing a historically low number of vehicles. The high Aussie dollar, an effective import tariff of 3.5%, ever increasing market competition with 87 vehicles brands for sale, and the looming effects of free trade agreements have made the industry front page news on a daily basis. This will culminate in a Federal Government Productivity Commission review terms of reference expected to be announced shortly. The question that these events raise is "do we want to have an automotive industry in Australia?" The general public seems indifferent, the major political parties have used it as one of only a handful of clear differentiators, car makers and suppliers are concentrating on keeping afloat during these hard times, and media commentators have debated the merits of further investment or letting the industry slide into further decline.